J.M.W. Turner: Sketchbooks, Drawings and Watercolours

Inverted relative to the sketchbook’s foliation, these slight coastal profiles may show the Isle of Wight from the Solent, with Norris Castle (see under folio 1 verso; D17992) and East Cowes Castle (see under folio 22 recto; D18030) on the east side of the River Medina at the top, and a general view south to East Cowes and Cowes on either side of the mouth of the river below. The looping form underneath appears to define the hull of a boat with a couple of rapid strokes. For more on studies in this sketchbook relating to the regatta events at Cowes from late July 1827 onwards, see the sketchbook Introduction.